Hertfordshire is a county that was traditionally made up of pastoral farmland, although some of this seems to be slowly disappearing as London continues its gradual sprawl outwards. Nevertheless, Hertfordshire is still beautiful to travel around and offers woods and green fields at every turn as well as the stunning central town of St Albans with its Georgian architecture and glut of Roman remains.
Bordered by London to the south, Essex to the east, Buckinghamshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the north-east and Bedfordshire to the north, Hertfordshire is one of the UK’s smallest counties but it seems to contain a disproportionate amount of England’s historic heritage. Hertford itself is packed with historic buildings and highlights include the Shire Hall in the center of town (which was designed by Robert Adam) and also the fine remains of the Norman castle, originally built to protect London from the Danish invasion. Over in St Albans there is the spectacular St Albans Cathedral, one of the finest in the country, and the incredible Roman remains littered across the landscape from the ancient town of Roman Verulamium, one time capital of England. Other sites include Knebworth House, Hatfield House, Berkhamstead Castle and Shaw’s Corner.
To get out and about in Hertfordshire you can either jump in the car and explore the seemingly endless old villages of thatched cottages and country gardens or get out on foot and experience the 166 mile Hertfordshire Way, as well as countless other cycle paths, foot paths, rivers, canals and lakes. Best of all are the beautiful Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Despite its proximity to London Hertfordshire still retains much of its original beauty and also includes one national nature reserve, 15 local nature reserves and 43 sites of special scientific interest; incredibly over half of the county is designated as ‘Green Belt’ land.
The Leadmill, SheffieldGrouplove is a relatively new American Indie rock band, thrust into the spotlight in 2011 with the release of their debut album ‘Never trust a happy song.’ The second single from the album, ‘Tongue tied’ reached number 16 on the US Alternative Billboard chart. The band was formed in Greece during a summer vacation, when the five members, Christian Zucconi, Sean Gadd, Hannah Hooper, Andrew Wesson and Ryan Rabin met and began making music together. After the holiday was over, it was decided that they shared such a creative bond, that they should all relocate to Los Angele…
Watford Colosseum, WatfordMulti award winning stand-up, television and movie star, Omid Djalili is back on tour with his brand new comedy show. A firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival with his legendary performances, Omid’s stand-up awards include Time Out Award for Best Stand Up, the EMMA Award, South Bank Award nominee and Perrier Award nominee.…
Fresh from The Thick of It, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and his sell-out 2010 tour, Chris Addison, the man who put the 'Chris Addison' into, 'I see Chris Addison is touring again,' is touring again. He's written a brand new show, The Time Is Now, Again, specifically for the venue this website refers to.* (*And about 40 others, but the point still stands.) Top class stand-up from one of the classiest, toppiest stand-ups around. You should come and see him. …
Watford Colosseum, WatfordFor over five decades The Osmond Brothers have been entertaining sold out crowds throughout the world and 2012 marks the year of their biggest ever UK Tour. The Osmonds are unique in their success as a band and as solo performers. They have recorded over 200 albums, selling over 100 million copies with 59 gold and platinum recordings. They have sold out venues worldwide, breaking box office records and received countless awards; most notably in 2003 when they were honoured by the industry, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.…
American stand-up comic Doug Stanhope brings to audiences his hilarious comedy material that ranges from 'true-life graphic perversion to volatile social criticism'. Vulgar, opinionated and brutally honest, his material shocks but entertains, and is certainly not for everybody. Doug was selected by both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter as one of the Top Ten Comics To Watch.…
The Leadmill, SheffieldLiverpool band Cast were one of the major success stories of the 90s Britpop phenomenon, combining strong songwriting skills with some of the best melodies of the era. Cast initially formed in 1992 led by John Power, previously of the much respected but ultimately shortlived band The La's. (It was also Power who penned the majority of Cast's songs). Several line-up changes ensued, as did some high profile support slots including Oasis, before finally being signed to Polydor in 1994. The following year saw the launch of the band's debut album "All Change" which was a huge success, spawn…
Sarah Millican is a successful English stand-up comedienne from South Shields. Her profile on the comedy scene first increased after winning the 'if.comedy award' in 2008 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She is now a regular and popular addition to many a TV show such as 'Have I Got News For You', '8 Out of Ten Cats', 'Mock the Week' etc and has recently been a celebrity guest panellist on 'Loose Women'. She releases her 'Live' DVD in 2011 and has completed three live tours, the latest of which was her 'Chatterbox' tour in 2010.…
Alban Arena, St AlbansFunny man Jimmy Carr has become known and loved for his deadpan delivery and observational comedy. His humour is often dark yet hugely appealing as his success on TV and the live stand-up stage keeps on growing. In 2006 he became the first big name to perform in the virtual reality world 'Second Life'. He hosts TV's '8 Out of Ten Cats' and has guest presented 'Have I Got News for You'. Carr is an established writer also creating material for the likes of Frank Skinner, Bo Selecta and Lily Savage.…
Alban Arena, St AlbansEnglish author, presenter and stand-up comedian Dave Gorman takes his stories of extreme adventures and experiences to theatres across the length of the country. Born in Staffordshire, Dave first performed live at the 1998 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and soon went on to write and star in hit TV shows including The Mrs Merton Show, Reasons to be Chearful, and Dave Gorman's Better World. Among his listed ambitions are to appear as captain on the quiz show Call My Bluff!…
Colosseum, WatfordDescribed as Britains First Lady of Song, Joan Armatrading has been nominated for a Grammy Award on no less than three occasions. Possessing an extremely unique voice and strong rhythmical acoustic guitar, she is touring again in concerts that will delight audiences with her hits such as Love and Affection, Drop the Pilot and Lovers Speak.…
GrouploveSaturday, 18 February 2012Live music/Indie And Alternative event at The Leadmill, Sheffield, Hertfordshire. To watch Grouplove live at The Leadmill on the Saturday, 18 February 2012, check out our list of primary and secondary ticket providers and compare the best ticket pri
Other concerts, music and gigs in Hertfordshire are:
Inspiral Carpets3 Mar, SheffieldLive and Unsigned 2012 Watford Auditions3 Mar, WatfordLive And Unsigned Auditions Watford3 Mar, WatfordSt Albans Symphony Orchestra and Watford Philarmonic Society10 Mar, St AlbansChiltern Choir and Harrow Choral Society17 Mar, St AlbansSt Albans High School and St Albans School Joint Choral Society and Orchestra21 Mar, St AlbansSt Albans Bach Choir24 Mar, St AlbansCast27 Mar, SheffieldLos Campesinos31 Mar, SheffieldWretch 3212 May, Hatfield
Sport in Hertfordshire
Alban ArenaOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Alban Arena, located in St Albans. See what shows and performances are on this week at Alban Arena.
Museum of Domestic Design and ArchitectureDeborah Bowness´s special ´souvenir´ wallpaper installation for MoDA continues in the corridor gallery. Designed using images and inspiration from a recent journey through Asia to New Zealand, the hand silk-screened and digitally produced trompe l´oeil wallpapers reflect the emotions and physicality…Location: Barnet
Some other fun family days out in Hertfordshire are:
Letchworth Museum and Art GalleryShepreth Wildlife ParkThe Museum Of St AlbansButterfly WorldVeralamium MuseumMuseum of Domestic Design and Architecture
Wimpole HallThe 2500 acre (1012ha) Wimpole Estate, situated eight miles south west of Cambridge, offers visitors the chance to visit: a house built mainly in the 18th Century; landscaped park; gardens and Home Farm. First built in 1643 and much altered by subsequent owners, Wimpole has developed into the large…Location: Wimpole
Some other notable historic attractions in Hertfordshire are:
Letchworth Museum and Art GallerySt Albans CathedralBerkhamsted CastleDe Havilland Aircraft Heritage CentreRoman Theatre of VerulamiumMuseum of Domestic Design and ArchitectureVeralamium MuseumGardens of the RoseThe Museum Of St Albans
By Chris HaycockThe Queen and Princess Anne have planted a tree in Sandringham Estate to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
By Amanda ArnoldEd Sheeran's debut album '+' returns to the top of the UK album charts.
By Chris HaycockA concert of epic proportion will see Elton John, Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey perform live to …
By Chris HaycockFresh snow has settled on many parts of Britain over the last 48 hours, as residents brace for long cold spell.
By Amanda ArnoldPlan B has decided to set up an umbrella charity to help problem street kids.
By Chris HaycockLeading ticket company viagogo has been named the official ticketing company for Madonna's forthcomi…
By Amanda ArnoldConvicted pedophile Gary Glitter is set to earn thousands from this years Superbowl in America.
By Chris HaycockVeteran rock star and former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney has unveiled his plaque on the iconic…
By Amanda ArnoldMadonna fans wait with baited breath for her forthcoming new album which precedes her 2012 world tour.
By Lucy MiddletonA recent survey reveals only 57% of gay actors feel they are able to be open about their sexuality t…
View all hotels in Hertfordshire
The Oldest Theatres in BritainGenerations of actors have trod the boards in some of the finest theatre buildings all over Britain. Luckily, some of the oldest theatres still remain in use to this day, proving just how important theatre is as an expression of our culture, and as a form of entertainment that is available to all. The following 10 theatres are among the oldest in Britain, but they are still in business today. Hopefully, they'll still be around in another 100 years time.
British World Heritage SitesEstablished by UNESCO in 1972 to protect the world's natural and cultural heritage, the list of World Heritage sites lists an incredible 28 sites all worth visiting for their natural beauty, cultural significance, and historic interest.
18 things you never knew about BritainIf you think Chicken Tikka Masala was first created in India, then you'll be wrong. Can the Queen step foot in the City of London without permission? And what surname did all 22 players share at a cricket match in Yorkshire?
O2 Priority TicketsPriority is a brand new ticketing service for customers of O2 for concerts and gigs at the O2 and O2 Academy venues across Britain. You've probably seen the multi-million pound campaign on TV to launch it. We take a closer look at what's on offer.
